Timeswap (Dubois Chronicles 1.33)
DJ Dubois
Originally Written February 1988/Revised May 2006

Rating: M (Mature--violence, demon worship, sorcery, language, torture implied and one adult situation).  If you're underage, find another story to read.

Xover Notice: This story crosses Smallville, Mutant X, Alias, Forever Knight and Xena Warrior Princess.  Except for Xena and FK, the other fandoms embellish background material mentioned in the series.

Notes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to MCA and StudiosUSA. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. The characters from Mutant X belong to Marvel Studios. The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star. Rimbaldi, his followers and his tinker toys are being borrowed from Alias which belongs to ABC and James Abrams. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

 


Prologue

[Michel Edrindoux, Annees d’ Vendee—from the entry for 1604]

For that entire Autumn season, dark harbingers haunted our fair region. Excessive rain ruined crops. The pest reared its head, marking our neighbors with the tell tale splotches before cutting them down.

The people prayed and pleaded with our Lord for relief but there was none.

I suspected that the source lay closer than most realized. For within the Mirabeau Chateau, the Countess Isobel and her consort, Bertrand du Angouleme, cavorted with the spirits of darkness.

Four days past Michelmas, the evil came to bear….

We found a young man in the woods, rambling and raving. He bore the dark one’s mark. Despite our efforts to discern his complicity, he refused to do it.

We sent him to the flames but in doing so, something happened….

He changed into a fire creature from the darkest corner of Hell. The hellhound erupted from the flames, killing Father François and the Inquisitor before disappearing into the night.

It wasn’t long before we learned that the Abomination had turned on its mistress, leaving her and her confederates for our justice…..

 


[December 10, 2008—Tucson—Right after the events of “Second Wave” (DC 2.93)]

Dr. Clarise LaMontaigne (aka Sister Clarise Thibidoux) laments….

Even as I watch Dubois and my mother resume their dance once more, I cannot help but remember the double tragedy which occurred 25 years ago tonight; a turning point brought about by my mother’s ambitions.

In that present, crises hit both this campus as well as its Amherst counterpart. Lives young and old were extinguished, bringing Celesta into play once more. Karen Alvarez vanished. Worse still, what started as a recounting became an actual involvement culminating in the so-called Mystery Man fighting Le Puer.

Six hundred and four years ago, my dreams collapsed…. Mother Superior had entrusted me with stopping my mother’s evil. Despite doing everything for Karen that we could, Nicolas, Xena and I failed miserably. I can never forget how Mama tried to sacrifice the poor girl.

…Nor will I ever stop seeing L’ Destroyer in my nightmares. For in his suffering at the stake—as with the debacles at the Talon theater—Dubois’ darkness gained still more power.

My failure is now complete. Despite Heloise’s continued assurances, I know I deserve to be imprisoned in the vampire’s world.

May God forgive me for my sins.

 

 


Chapter 1 [Vendee—December 7, 1604; 9:00 PM]

Despite the hospitality and the more comfortable lodgings within Mirabeau Chateau, Sister Clarise felt cold and nervous. It had been a fortnight since her return from the convent; a time in which she had observed her mother and the latter’s second husband, Lord Bertrand du Angoleme, passing through the stone halls late at night. <Mother Superior would think me wicked for spying but it is for a good cause!> She kneeled to pray.

Suddenly, the door flew open, banging against the granite wall and disturbing her.

<”Praying again, Clarise? You’ll wear the stones out with that mewling,”> a young girl of about ten chided.

The nun crossed herself and stood to face her little sister. <”Therese, you can never pray enough.”> She looked around knowingly. <”Something is wrong here.”>

Therese smirked. <”The only thing wrong is your weakness. Mama is on the verge of a great deal that will make us all powerful. All you can say is that?”> She tsked and turned on her heel before leaving the area.

Clarise secured the door, making sure that it was locked this time. She couldn’t understand why Therese was acting like that. <”Lord help her!”> With that, she went back to her prayer.

****
[Basement—Sacrifice chamber]

Even as Clarise worried about the situation, her worst fears played out several floors below. In the donjon’s central stone chamber, Isobel, Madelyne and Brianne danced about a large pyre burning in a central brazier.

Their master had ordered them to prepare for its ultimate strategy.

Accordingly, the coven’s leader had prepared a new spell book—mahogany covered with golden trim and pages made from the vellum of sacrificed lambs. On its cover, the demon’s mark clearly indicated who was in charge. <”It is time!”>

<”Do it, Isobel! Bring the One here!”> Madelyne begged.

“Non.” The Countess frowned. <”The master wishes something else. We need a sacrifice.”> She opened the book and read a spell from it.

The flames flared.

<”Are you prepared?”> Dahak asked impatiently.

“Oui,” Isobel answered. <”We are ready to begin.”>

The flames parted, revealing an image of Karen watching the stars in the Arizona desert. <”She is to be your target! The Destroyer will follow.”>

She nodded and flipped to another page.

“Powers of darkness
Heed my call
Bring yonder girl
To this hall!”
The image disappeared in a flash of dark light.

Then another dark flash appeared in their midst.

Karen shook her head, trying to understand what happened. Just a second before, she had been doing her homework. Now she was there.

Back in Mirabeau Chateau.

With Isobel staring at her…but this time, made flesh.

“You? How?” the teenager demanded, trying to grasp what was going on>.

<”You recognize me? Curious,”> Isobel replied, pondering how her victim from the future would know her. <”No matter.”> She waved her hand. “Dormirte!”

Against her will, Karen fell to the granite fast asleep.

<”This is the One?”> Brianne queried.

<”As the Master said, she is the bait. The game starts now,”> Isobel reminded them. Waving her hand, she ordered, “Levantarte!” After Karen floated in the air, they eased her out of the room and toward the familiar cell. <”Once we secure her, we’ll examine more of the Inventor’s machines.”>

The endgame had indeed started……

Chapter 2 [December 6, 1983]

[Amherst, MA—Cappuccino Express]

Autumn had come and gone for Western Massachusetts. Even though the calendar still indicated as much, the season had already long since left the region. A Thanksgiving storm had left the area covered with winter’s white blanket and stripped any remaining leaves from the trees. The chill remained behind in the air, biting at everyone’s cheeks.

In the café, Dave sat and studied his notes for the week’s classes. Despite the storm, he and Karen had enjoyed Thanksgiving weekend. As prearranged with Pauline, he had guided her and Angie back to Amherst and Wabash respectively so as to allow everyone to enjoy the holiday as they wished before returning them to Tucson.

Even the previous weekend had been enjoyable. He smiled, thinking of the time spent with his girlfriend down in the desert. Even though the air eased the chill out of his bones, their ‘cuddle sessions’ did more for both his physical and emotional well being. I just hope nothing happens.

“Hey, Dave,” Peggy interjected, breaking into his thoughts. “No bad thoughts.”

“Hmmm?” He looked up at his classmate who stood there expectantly with the coffee pot in hand. “I was just thinking of this past weekend. No worries.”

“Uh huh,” she retorted, not buying it. “And Thursday being Thursday has nothing to do with it?”

He shrugged. “It is the anniversary and Madame wants to talk about her, you know?” He looked around to make sure the coast was clear. “We should be nervous.”

“Everything’s been quiet this semester all things considered. Maybe trouble might skip a year,” she hoped.

He snorted, nearly blowing coffee up his nose. “Peggy, you aren’t that naïve. I have a bad feeling about this.” He opened his pack, producing a thick spiral bound report. “Long version.”

“That’s it, isn’t it?” She thumbed through it. “This has to be a hundred pages long!”

“150 to be precise,” he clarified while putting it back in his pack. “Let’s say I’m glad Drs. O’ Connor and LaMontaigne will be here in case anything happens.”

“That makes several of us, Dave,” she concurred. Despite protesting his paranoia over such things, she knew he felt that way for a reason. “Ready for Dr. Kane’s last paper?”

He nodded. “It’s coming along fine. And you?”

“I’ve got an outline.” She winced. “Wish it were easier.”

He smiled. “We all do but we’re in it together, right?”

“Right,” she agreed. “Sorry but I have to keep going. Keep your chin up, all right?” With that, she left.

Keep my chin up, she says. Yeah right. He sipped the rest of his coffee, put his notes away and threw his coat on. Leaving a healthy tip on the table, he walked back out into the cold, heading for the dorm.

****

Fifteen minutes later, he walked into his dorm room to find Garth and April studying together. “Oops!”

“Hey, Dave. It’s all right,” she assured him. “We’re reading the Faerie Queene.”

“You mean trying to understand it,” Garth groused. “Why can’t Spenser write like a normal human being?”

“He likes being dense?” Dave guessed while putting his books away. “A lot of that stuff hits too close for comfort as far as I’m concerned.”

“You mean that castle in Book 5?” she supposed. “Yeah, that Radegund wench reminds me of Isobel.” She shuddered, recalling the ordeal from the previous summer.

“I knew there was another reason I didn’t like it,” Garth rationalized.

“Well face your fears and deal with them,” his roommate declared. “Speaking of which, ready for class on Thursday?”

“Talking about that stuff? Will we ever be?” she wondered. “Dave, admit it, you’ve got to be creeped out about it.”

“Which is why Karen, Angie and Laura will here with us under guard you might say,” Dave assured them. “I don’t want anything to happen. Keep plugging away on FQ. I’m heading for the cafeteria.”

After he had left, she asked Garth, “How can Dave be so calm?”

“He isn’t,” he informed her. “I think he’s just better at masking his feelings then the rest of us.”

She sighed. Maybe Dave might have a point with being paranoid for once.



Chapter 3

[Quebec City—three hours later]

Even as the teens’ thoughts turned to the following Thursday, Clarise looked out of her bedchamber window over the frosty city skyline far below. Through the Community’s contacts, she had kept up on Dave, Karen and their friends. <Rodriguez assures me that the girls are safe in Tucson. If that holds true until Wednesday, I’ll be able to watch them personally.>

She frowned. <If only Dubois knew the real truth.> She shuddered, hearing the battle echo in her mind’s ear along with an Amphipolan war cry.

And above it all, the Child’s Scream…..

Madeline approached, “Pardon moi, Clarise.”

“Oui, Madeline?”

<”You asked me to tell you when the preparations were in order. They are complete. You will fly to Boston on Tuesday night,”> the lieutenant reported.

<”Very good. Merci, Madeline,”> the Elder expressed.

<”No problem. And I will make sure that everything goes smoothly in your absence,”> Madeline agreed.

<”You know my mind before I do. Indeed. Excuse me,”> Clarise concluded before leaving.

Madeline shook her head, knowing the real reason behind her mistress’ trip. <The anniversary looms once more. May Clarise and the others keep matters under control.>

****

[Montreal]

Meantime, Dijon also made preparations. While meeting with the Enforcers at the Chateau Grenoble, he brooded as well over the misfortunes from centuries past. Dubois cannot be warned about what is to come. Even if we have to kill him and the others.

From around the long oak table, seven other immortals watched him.

“Dijon, it is time,” an Oriental man advised.

“Merci.” The Burgundian collected his thoughts. “Everyone, we have a job to do…even if the Elders and Council won’t let us do it.”

A Malay woman shook her head. “diCosta and the others have put Dubois off limits, Dijon. Would you invoke the boy’s darkness?”

The Butcher scowled. “I have seen the Destroyer’s handiwork. Trust me; I know what we’ll face. But I would keep him and the other brats off balance. Kill the interfering woman.”

“Evangeline Desmoutiers is a friend of Clarise LaMontaigne’s and has Community permission to instruct them, Dijon. With all due respect, we shouldn’t….” a Circassian man mountain countered.

“After watching my wife suffer over Dubois’ issues, I DON’T CARE!” Dijon snapped; his eyes going yellow and fangs descending. He slammed his fist on the oak, cracking it in the process. “He will pay for that! Dubois thought it amusing to mock me two months ago. Now it is my turn to have a laugh in my own fashion.” He grinned coldly. “He’ll know why I was called Le Masacrer des Burgoyne by week’s end. We leave in two days’ time and strike on Wednesday. That is all!” With that, he marched out.

Knowing that their leader wouldn’t be dissuaded, the other Enforcers followed.

Something would give by midweek and the Community would shake because of it…..

****

[Boston—Logan Airport—11:45 PM]

Nick walked out of a large airplane into the main terminal, harboring mixed feelings about being back on the East Coast once again. On the one hand, he looked forward to seeing his teenaged friends. However, the reason for the visit weighed on his soul. He shouldn’t have to worry about these anniversaries.

[“Then do your duty, Nicholas.”]

The former Crusader winced, knowing the source of the telepathic insight. “LaCroix.” He surveyed the terminal, following the vibrations.

[“Find me if you can. Come to me and we’ll talk.”]

Finally latching onto the source, Nick ran across the terminal and down a set of stairs. While he would have preferred a faster route, he couldn’t expose himself. Finally by baggage claim, he looked around again. “Now where?”

“You are so disappointing,” the General groused while tapping him on the shoulder. Shooting his “son” a knowing frown, he added, “You are weak, Nicholas.”

“Better weak than lacking scruples, LaCroix. I take it you’re here for the same reason I am?”

LaCroix shrugged. “The boy and his friends. Yes, yes….” He rolled his eyes. “I left Janette in charge up in Toronto. Nikki thought it prudent that we both be in the vicinity.”

“Clarise and I have made arrangements at the university in case of trouble,” Nick assured him.

LaCroix chuckled while keeping an eye on those around them. “I’m sure you think you have. Still you should be more discreet, mon filis. Come, let’s get our bags. Nikki awaits us both.”

****

[Captain’s Hearth—twenty minutes later]

After a comfortable limo ride into the city, the two vampires entered the tavern and headed right for the bar.

The woman waiting on customers immediately recognized them both and served them their usuals. “Nikki will be right with you, Gentlemen.”

“Merci,” Nick expressed while drinking from his cow-merlot.

LaCroix sampled his drink and nodded in appreciation. “Her taste is splendid as always. Nicholas, you really should have some of this instead.”

“I’ll stick to this. Thanks,” Nick declined pointedly.

“Your funeral, Nicholas,” the General countered.

“It could be one day,” Nikki concurred as she approached them. “Bring your drinks to my office.” She led them into the back sanctum and shut the door behind them. “Where’s Janie?”

“Watching our affairs in Toronto. Nikki, I don’t need to remind you of the Community’s interest in this affair. Along with Clarise’s lieutenant, she will know if anything happens north of the border,” LaCroix clarified, allowing an edge to his voice.

“Such as Dijon’s meeting with his Enforcers tonight?” she pointed out almost flippantly. “My, my, big sister is slipping, isn’t she? Even Nicolas knew that one.”

“I do manage to know some things you don’t,” Nick added, jabbing the other. “Cow or no cow.”

“We all do get lucky,” LaCroix sighed.

“I thought you didn’t believe in luck,” Nick countered.

“Normally, I don’t. You are showing me differently, Nicholas.” The General finished his cup and set it on the table. “As is Dubois. The boy has been targeted by Enforcer and demon alike. That would be the only reason Dijon would call a meeting now.”

“And the reason I had you both flown in,” she agreed. “Insurance. Nicolas, you will go to Amherst tomorrow night. Before Clarise arrives, I need you to check things over with the Alvarezes and Evangeline. LaCroix, you and I will work our connections from here.”

Toronto’s Elder groused petulantly, “I could have done that from Toronto!”

She considered her ‘father’, really trying to be respectful but deciding against that at the last minute. “Better ninety miles than a thousand in case of trouble.”

“And Rodriguez?” Nick wondered.

“He’ll keep up his end in the desert as we discussed. Meantime, your rooms are ready. Relax,” she advised before standing up and leaving them alone.

After she left, LaCroix looked pointedly at Nick. “Remember, Nicholas, I will still be watching.”

“Don’t worry. I know what to do,” the younger vampire replied before following his sister.

“You’d better,” the Roman noted before heading toward the main part of the tavern for a refill.

 


Chapter 4

[Faerie Realms]

While affairs on Outer Earth steamed along toward the night later that week, several sets of eyes watched through the Faerie Empress’ portal as well.

In breaking with her usual custom of allowing only those closest to her to observe events in this fashion, the Empress acknowledged the growing desperation in the situation. “Isobel’s stratagem is unfolding before our eyes.”

“Bah! Send me there! I’ll deal with her,” Ferali challenged.

Next to him, Grimwilkin smiled but disagreed, “Even your formidable axe would find this too great of a challenge. Besides, others are in position as we speak.”

“I trust Nicholas to watch him. The girls are fine, studying in their room,” Pauline reported.

“Still, Pauline, do not get too confident,” Keira reminded her. “We’ve already seen how Dahak and his witch can spirit victims away before we can do anything about it.”

“Yes, Mother,” the other priestess acknowledged, feeling chastened by those words.

“We all need to keep better watch,” the Elf Queen acknowledged. “Still, Nicolas de Brabant is not the only ally ready to assist.” She looked toward the armoire in the corner where she knew the sword and chakram awaited their role.

“Aye!” the gnome interjected.

The Empress shook her head. “Your axe is needed here. Rest assured, Ferali, this one’s sword is your equal.”

“This one?” Ferali asked. “Who would this be that you would send her rather than me?”

“One that understands the ways of Dahak much better than you and potentially any of us,” the Empress countered, glaring at him. “Don’t question me on this!” She took a deep breath, collecting herself again. “That’s all for now. I need to think on this matter by myself.”

“Come,” Keira advised the others, taking them into the mists with her.

After they had left, the Empress mused over Ferali’s words. “He has a point,” she told herself.

“To send Ferali would mean his own death,” Nai-Jin revealed while stepping into the chamber. “No, you are on the right course in this case.”

“You’d best be right,” the Faerie Empress admonished.

“I only know what the goddess tells me,” the seeress rebutted. And we can hope that’s enough!

****

[Olympus]

Zeus appeared in a flash of light in his main chamber’s midst. He rubbed his brow wearily; the Fates’ latest prophecy weighing on him. Despite everything, the Destroyer will emerge endangering everything!

“Death comes to all of us at one time or another, Great Zeus,” Celesta admonished, appearing before him and managing a bow.

“But we are immortal!”

“So were the Titans before you.” She sighed. “I mean no disrespect. I just point out what will happen.”

Setting his own hurt pride aside, he nodded. “I should convene the rest of the Pantheon and deal with the boy before this comes to pass!”

“You cannot trust them to act appropriately. To confront the boy in an era where we have no power is folly. The darkness would surge, devouring you and the others with little effort. Didn’t the Fates tell you of the one to be resurrected?” she pointed out. “She is known to us.”

“She?” He queried. “You know then?”

“I do. Question her loyalties but we know she will do what she has to,” Celesta argued.

“I should have Hades to send Hercules.”

“Xena will suffice,” she disagreed.

“Xena? Are you mad? She’s never had the greater good at heart!” He scoffed.

“True but as I said, she makes it all work for us somehow.” She floated over to the window and looked down at the clouds below. “This is a busy time. Two days from now, it will be more so. Send the others and risk all, Great Zeus.” With that, she vanished, leaving him to his thoughts.



Chapter 5 [Next night]
[Smallville]

Before diving into the big test, Dave teleported himself out to Smallville for some distance from Amherst. With wrapping up the semester and dealing with the impending anniversary, he knew that move would be good for both himself and his friends. He also hoped that the ingredients he had brought earlier would pan out.

He stepped out of the portal in the alley behind the Talon and headed out to the main sidewalk. Everything seems so normal.

The glowing scar on his hand said different.

Have to remind me, don’t you? Crap. Making sure that he didn’t attract too much attention, he stepped into Nell’s shop.

“Dave?” Laura asked with surprise. “This is unexpected. Why didn’t you call?”

He shrugged. “Spur of the moment thing. I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“Of course not,” she assured him. “You know the door’s always open. Look, I just have to finish my count and then maybe we can get something to eat?”

“Sure. I’ll be in the theater,” he agreed while heading out.

She winced. Given the date, that might not be the greatest thing. She counted the money and dropped the receipts in the safe. Nell will have to make the drop in the morning! She turned the lights out and locked the door before heading for the theater.

Walking in, she found him surveying the lobby—particularly the area where he had stood when Isobel joined him and the Child. What’s going on? “Dave?”

“I felt a tug from here.” He touched the NCHP’s plaque with his fingers.

Both the metal and their scars glowed in response.

“When did that start happening?” she gasped.

“Since your great aunt’s first spell,” he noted. “I’m tied to here for better or worse.” He fought off a wave of numbness crossing his scalp.

“Calm down, Dave.” She didn’t want him letting the Child out. “Deep breaths. Look how about we go to the Kents?”

He nodded. “That was going to be my suggestion as well. I can call Auntie from there.”

She sighed. I wish she’d let him visit. That would do him more good! “Let’s get out of here.”

After they left, a bit of the sunset’s light streamed in the window, catching the metal plaque.

It glowed, pulsing almost in anticipation of something else…..

****

[Kent Farm]

Meantime, Martha carefully took some gingerbread out of the oven and set it on the wire cooling rack. “Glad that’s done!” Then she lifted the large pot off of the stove and poured the contents into a strainer in the sink, allowing the boiling water to flow down the drain. “Whew! I hope I did this all right.” Since receiving Dave’s call earlier that day and watching him set it all up a couple of hours earlier, she decided to go this route. What’s going on with him?

“That smells great, Sweetheart,” Jonathan assured her while coming in the door from the barn. “Another masterpiece.”

“Why thank you,” she quipped; her eyes sparkling at him. “Wish I could take the credit but I’m just watching the pot.”

“With you in charge, it’s got to be good,” he replied, stealing a kiss off of her cheek. “Is everything okay with David?”

“I don’t know. This is so sudden.” She sighed. “I wish that he could just transfer and be done with it.”

“He insists that there’s something that needs to be done first,” he reminded her.

“I know. Whatever it is, I wish he could do it,” she commented. She heard the knocking at the door. “Let’s not mention this. He’s got enough on his mind.” She opened the door to find Dave and Laura standing there. “Hi! Dinner’s ready.”

“We followed the aroma of that gingerbread from town,” Dave teased with a smile on his face. “How are you, Mrs. Kent? Sorry about the last minute notice.”

“I’m fine,” she replied. “You know you’re welcome anytime…especially when you brought dinner.”

“Brought dinner? Dave, you said this was spur of the moment,” Laura argued.

“It was…it came to me this morning as I was studying. Sorry. Mr. Kent, is there anything…?” the teen queried.

“That’s okay,” the farmer assured him as they shook hands. “School going all right?”

“Just two weeks until Christmas break,” Dave mentioned. “This is the big week.” He took a deep breath.

“The Vendee lecture,” Laura guessed.

“Thursday. Could we have picked this any better?” Dave asked sarcastically.

“If you’re worried, that’s why you’re going to have back up there,” the florist assured him. “Mrs. Luthor’s flying me up there Wednesday afternoon for that reason. You’re not going to be alone for this.”

“You could always skip it, David,” Martha advised.

He shook his head. “I can’t, Mrs. Kent. I need to know what Isobel’s deal is. She did something to us back then. Once I know, I can deal with it.”

“You sure that’s wise?” Jonathan asked.

“It’s better than flailing around in the dark especially after what happened last summer, I need to know,” Dave confirmed. “After dinner, I would like to call Aunt Lillie if that’s okay?”

“Of course,” Martha agreed. “Speaking of which, the boiled dinner’s ready. I hope you all like it.”

“What is it exactly?” Laura asked as they headed over to the table.

“Sorry, you can blame me,” Dave declared. “It’s a New England boiled dinner. The meat is a small ham and corned beef. Then you have potatoes, cabbage and carrots. I’m sticking with the meat and potatoes myself but try it.”

“It smells good.” Jonathan bit into a piece of ham and then a cabbage leaf. “Not bad. A little bland but this is good.”

“And it’s easy to make. Thanks for the recipe and dinner, David,” Martha expressed.

“My pleasure,” the teen accepted, feeling good about himself.

****

[Luthor Mansion—An hour later]

Lillian hung up the phone and sighed. While she had wanted to see Dave, she didn’t want him to see her...or rather her condition. Over the past three months, the cancer had left her bedridden with only brief stints in the wheelchair. The boy has enough on his mind. She frowned, still hearing the latest poem he had written for her. It isn’t fair. When will this end for him?

“If you want, I could have the limo take us to the Kents, Lillian,” Lionel noted.

As much as it broke her heart to say so, she shook her head. “I can’t do that to him.”

“What’s happening to you is about life, Lillian,” he admonished. “David has already seen the disease’s cycle. As much as it hurts me to say it, you’re being selfish in denying him these last few months.”

She choked back a sob, retorting, “I know that! And as for being selfish, you don’t have any right to talk! David has enough to think about without seeing me like this! Thanks to you and Stuart, this week will be Hell.”

“That again,” he groused. “Lillian, he brought that on himself!”

“Some day, Lionel, you’ll understand what you’ve done to all of us,” she concluded angrily before wheeling herself back to her chamber.

He shook his head. That woman is impossible some times.

 


Chapter 6
[Amherst—Lederle Graduate Tower]

Adam sat in his office, going over his notes for the next day’s Biogenetic Ethics class. For the most part, the students had pleasantly surprised him with their effort. Straight B’s across the board. Not bad for a group of first semester freshmen in a 300 level class! He heard a knock at the door. “Yes?”

“Adam, got a minute?” Nick inquired while entering the room.

“Of course. I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow,” the geneticist agreed. “Please take a seat. How’s everything in Chicago?”

“The bookstore’s fine. I’ve also been keeping up on the students. Thank you for teaching that class,” Nick noted.

“They need to know what they’re up against especially as friends of Dave’s or any mutant,” Adam replied while closing the door. “Any news on Isobel or the cult?”

“It’s been quiet. However, we are watching. I’m more concerned about Lichtenfeld’s father,” the immortal explained.

“Father?” Adam scratched his head.

“Have any of them mentioned the Mystery Man? He’s just as interested in David as his daughter is,” Nick noted.

“No, we haven’t talked about him. The team and I did see the ghost and her demon at Genomex.” Adam sighed. “I was going to announce this tomorrow but I’m canceling class on Thursday. Unless they’re in Evangeline’s seminar, I want them to get off of campus before sunset. Those who are in there I want to talk to before they go over.”

“Good idea.” Nick stood up. “I’m going to check on things around town. Let me know if anything comes up. I was going to ask, is Mutant X here?”

“They’re on notice. Let me know if there’s anything we can do,” Adam concurred as they shook hands.

“Right,” Nick agreed before departing.

Afterwards, Adam sank into his chair and pondered the point. Yes, we need to keep them safe.

*****

[Lewis Dorm]

Nancy walked through the dorm looking for Dave. Since returning from Rowenshire and her talk with Brother Andrew the day before, she had wanted to remind him about the following Thursday. Peggy and April accompanied her for good measure.

“Where is he? He’s not in the library, cafeteria or studying downstairs,” April presumed.

“Maybe Garth knows,” Peggy guessed while knocking on their friends’ door.

Garth stuck his head out. “Hi, everyone. I was just going to the library.”

“Hey, Garth, is Dave in there?” Nancy asked.

“Nope. Pauline took him to Smallville. Apparently, he was cooking dinner for the Kents, Laura and Lewis tonight. I guess boiled dinner. You should have seen the stuff he had in the fridge here!” he reported.

“Ham and corned beef both?” Peggy presumed, having been talked through it by Janet before her death.

“You’ve got to be kidding! We ate that mush and he’s cooking?” April complained, feeling her stomach lurch yet again.

“He didn’t plan it. All of this stuff was getting to him so he took off,” he noted with a shrug. He grabbed his bag and shut the door. “Speaking of taking off, let’s grab a coffee at the Express. I think we need to calm down.”

“Sounds great,” April agreed as they left.

 

 


Onto Part 2